The Backpacks Bags and Cases We Use When Travelling

Recently a number of readers and bloggers alike have asked questions along the lines of ‘what is the best backpack?’, ‘what suitcases stand up to the test of being chucked around when checked in?’, ‘what is a great bag to use as a carry on?’ etc. There are a number of amazing backpacks, bags and cases out there and there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right one(s) for you. Your height, build and personal preference all need to be taken into account as does price, quality and durability.

Over the past few years, we have been sent and bought ourselves a number of backpacks, bags and cases to try out when we are travelling in order to find the best luggage sets. We’ve had some amazing ones, some ok ones and some that were simply rubbish. Therefore, depending on the trip, we are taking, we usually have a go-to piece of luggage that we opt for instantly and I have put together the following list of luggage we use and our reasons why. We hope it helps if you are looking for something new.

Hold suitcase

Sometimes you really do get what you pay for and that is what I have found with my Samsonite B-lite 3 Spinner. This suitcase is perfect when we travel for a long period of time but are staying in one place. we have used this case dozens of times over the past couple of years and it still looks like it is brand new. Ok, it’s not the cheapest suitcase on the market but the weight, quality and design make up for that. I have bought cheap hold suitcases previously which I’ve had to bin after one holiday because they have not stood up to the test of being chucked around between the airport and the plane.  Priced at approx. £130.

Backpack

When we visited Australia a few years ago, nothing we had would have been suitable to use as luggage. Therefore, we decided to invest in a couple of backpacks as we were going to be travelling around a lot – it just made sense. After a LOT of research, we both decided on a Vango backpack. I opted for the Vango Freedom 60+20 Litre Rucksack in purple and Mr ESLT chose the Vango Freedom 80+20 Litre Rucksack. We’ve used them loads since, not only in Australia but also Indonesia, USA and Italy and they still look great. We especially love the detachable daysack which is perfect for day trips. Priced at approx. £70 and £100.

Carry on

Having a great carry on is an absolute necessity for me as I travel on European budget airlines a lot and NEVER check a bag in. I use an Eastpak Tranverz S Hand Luggage and have done for at least 5 years. I will be honest I bought it primarily because it was pink (yep, I’m a sucker for pink things) but secondly and probably more important because it is a perfect size and fits the restrictions all cabin bags on all airlines. Another one that has been bashed about during my travels yet still looks like I just bought it. Not to worry if pink’s not your colour, there are about 20 others to choose from. Priced at approx. £100.

Hand luggage

If I check my hold suitcase in I still like to have hand luggage to take on the plane with me and love my Herschel Supply Co. Dawson Rucksack which was a birthday present from my mother in law last year. I love the fact that I can wear it on my back leaving my hands free to pull my suitcase through airports etc. It is also the perfect size for my essential stuff including my MacBook. They are a bit more pricey than regular sports backpacks. However, it is super comfortable to wear and is great quality. Again another example of you get what you pay for. Priced at approx. £65.

Handbag

I always use a crossbody bag whether I am travelling or not. They are just so comfortable to wear and leave my hands free to do other things. Also, when travelling they can deter thieves as they are more difficult to snatch than traditional shoulder bags. It also has to be big enough to carry my purse, mobile phone and other stuff and more often than not, Mr ESLT’s stuff too. Check out Bagail for a massive range of different styles of bags and also travel accessories, all at very reasonable prices. They also offer free shipping on orders over $49.

Passport cover

Not only does my luggage have to be great quality and great looking but so does my passport cover. You may remember I featured my lovely new beautifully crafted from veg-tanned genuine leather passport cover from DarkStar Leatherworks in our 2017 Christmas Gift Guide and I still stand by how great it is. The craftsmanship is amazing. It is the perfect cover if style is important to you. Plus it keeps your passport in pristine condition which if you use yours as much as I use mine is also super important. Priced at approx. £65.  DarkStar Leatherworks also produce a range of other amazing leather products.

So, which backpacks, bags and cases do you use when travelling?

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